In an attempt to improve the management of neutropenic sepsis and other chemotherapy toxicities we have started to append a box containing the text below to all GP and patient letters on patients receiving chemotherapy.

PLEASE NOTE: Your patient is currently receiving chemotherapy

and is at risk of neutropenia. Should they become pyrexial or unwell they require urgent review of the full blood count and medical assessment; neutropenic sepsis is a potentially serious condition if not managed promptly according to a standard protocol. They have been given written advice and contact telephone numbers for the Oncology Centre. Whilst on treatment if they are admitted to a hospital outside the Oncology Centre the relevant oncology consultant should be informed ASAP please.

Information concerning other toxicities of treatment can be obtained here: http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments (link no longer available)